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2014 World Cup Betting: Ecuador vs. Honduras Picks

Ecuador must bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Switzerland, if they hope to keep their World Cup campaign alive. Next up is Honduras, the Group E underdogs. Will Ecuador come through on their favourable odds to win outright? Find out as we preview this matchup and serve up free soccer picks.

Ecuador’s
bright start snuffedEcuador started brightly against Switzerland,
taking the early lead through Enner Valencia’s first-half goal (22nd
minute). La Tri’s second half account, though, left much to be desired. They
took the foot off the pedal, only to be summarily punished by Admir Mehmedi’s
48th minute strike that levelled the match. Then, just when it
looked like a draw was on the cards, the worst possible thing happened: Seferovic drove a last gasp effort past the posts to snatch the victory for
Switzerland. Ecuador were beaten. The upshot: their market credibility damaged.

Ecuador began the competition as the
dangerous floaters in Group E, matched at +400 odds to win the section and at
favourable -110 to simply advance. After the first round was in the books,
Ecuador emerge as the whopping +2800 long shots to win Group E, and the +350
puppies to simply advance.

Honduras
odds careen out of controlWhile Ecuador’s odds shift, Honduras’ odds
careen out of control. They were always going to be the underdogs in this
group, not to mention the competition. But when they started as the +3300
puppies to win the section, only to drift out to +12500, it’s a drastic
declining measure in the broad spectrum of the competition. Indeed, even to
simply qualify they are matched at whopping +1400 underdogs – one of the
highest price tags of the competition barring Cameroon at +1600 (Group A).

All in all, Honduras are no-hopers. Their
defeat to France was inevitable, it was largely expected by odds makers and
World Cup betting fans alike. They did bring intensity to their opener, a
physicality that wasn’t entirely expected –and, at times, looked out of place.
But they were too preoccupied with trying to wreck havoc with France’s starting
line up rather than playing football.

Ecuador
vs. Honduras Betting Tips & PicksOn paper, Honduras presents a much easier
task for Ecuador. As a result, they are the hot favourites at -138 to win
outright. Honduras are the underdogs at +450 while the draw is trading at +280. That Ecuador aren’t the runaway favourites
(upwards of -200 or so) might seem surprisingat first.Upon further consideration,
though, it makes complete sense. Ecuador’s defensive issues proved to be the weakest
link against Switzerland, ultimately leading to their downfall in the opening
round despite taking the early lead. It’s a serious area that Ecuador needs to
address, but it remains to be seen what changes they’ll make (if any) ahead of
this clash.

For now, such breakdowns on the pitch cannot
be ignored, nor can they be swept aside as a non-issue, even against a
so-called no-hoper as Honduras. Theoretically, any side could capitalise on
defensive mistakes, including an unlikely.

Honduras, matched at +450 odds to win
outright, boasting a price tag that isn’t as pricey as
one would have expected given their overarching World Cup odds (12500?+1400?).
Indeed, with Honduras priced still reasonably well, should World Cup bettors
take it as a sign they shouldn’t be written off just yet? Maybe, yes.

That
said, if Ecuador have defensive weaknesses, Honduras have offensive weaknesses
to match. Goals have been the theme in this World Cup so far, and if that trend
holds true, Honduras will need to net a few in order to come through on their
odds.

World
Cup Picks: Ecuador to win outright at -138; Under
2.5 at -118 for your soccer picks.